Psychological Science

Faculty

Mareike B. Wieth, chair and professor.
B.A., Kenyon College; M.A., Ph.D., Michigan State University. Appointed 2005.

Shanti A. Brown, assistant professor.
B.A., Albion College; Ph.D. Central Michigan University. Appointed 2020.

Andrew N. Christopher, professor.
B.B.A., Stetson University; M.B.A., Southern Methodist University; M.S., Ph.D., University of Florida. Appointed 2001.

Holger B. Elischberger, professor.
B.A., M.A., University of Würzburg; Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Appointed 2005.

Andrea P. Francis, assistant professor.
B.S., Colorado State University; M.A., Ph.D., Michigan State University. Appointed 2010.

Eric D. Hill, associate professor.
B.A., Oglethorpe University; M.A., Ph.D., Arizona State University. Appointed 2010.

Tammy J. Jechura, associate professor.
B.S., Bowling Green State University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Michigan. Appointed 2004.

Barbara J. Keyes, professor.
B.A., College of Wooster; M.A., Ph.D., Bowling Green State University. Appointed 1975.

Ryan A. Selleck, assistant professor.
B.S., University of Michigan; Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Madison. Appointed 2020.

Introduction

Psychological science studies the behavior and mental processes of humans and other animals. As a discipline, psychology spans the natural and social sciences and is based on rigorous scientific analysis and methodologies. Specialty areas represented in the department include clinical, cognitive, developmental, educational, industrial/organizational, physiological, health, and social psychology.

Students who major in psychological science become involved in research through laboratory courses, directed study projects and honors theses. These undergraduate research opportunities teach students to develop testable questions and hypotheses, operationally define variables, gather and analyze data, interpret results, and write research reports using APA format, all of which are skills that are valued in many work settings and necessary for graduate study. Finally, in both lecture and laboratory courses as well as in our research with students, the Department of Psychological Science emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, communication and research skills.

Psychological Science Department Website

Career Opportunities

The Department of Psychological Science offers a variety of courses designed to prepare students for graduate work in psychology as well as for positions in research, human services settings and secondary education. The psychological science major at Albion College also provides excellent preparation for a variety of other professional areas, including law, medicine and business.

During their junior and senior years, students are able to participate in the department’s internship program (Psychology Practicum) that allows them to work in a variety of field settings (e.g., mental hospitals, juvenile homes, counseling centers, schools and human resource departments), thus exploring various career options. The students are encouraged to conduct independent research projects that, in many cases, culminate in an honors thesis.

Special Features

Because the department has a strong commitment to research, upper-level students are strongly encouraged to make use of Olin Hall’s laboratory facilities for investigating memory, psychophysiology, cognition, language, learning, personality, developmental and social psychology in collaboration with faculty. Instruction in the Department of Psychological Science includes lecture and class discussion as well as laboratory experiences.

Our major has been approved as a certifiable secondary school teaching major by the State Department of Education.

Albion maintains a chapter of Psi Chi, the national psychology honorary society.

Student Learning Outcomes for the Major

1. Student will be able to describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology

2. Student will be able to use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena

3. Student will be able to demonstrate effective writing for different purposes

4. Student will be able to exhibit effective presentation skills for different purposes

5. Student will be able to apply Psychological content and skills to career goals

6. Student will be able to apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice

Student Learning Outcomes for the Minor

1. Student will be able to describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology

2. Student will be able to use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena

3. Student will be able to demonstrate effective writing for different purposes

4. Student will be able to exhibit effective presentation skills for different purposes

5. Student will be able to apply Psychological content and skills to career goal

Programs

Major

Minor